Brakes on for Delta's man

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A court appearance in Dublin by former Westlife singer Brian
McFadden for alleged driving offences has been delayed at his
request - just months after he criticised the courts system for
holding up the case.

The 25-year-old was due to face the charges at Balbriggan
District Court in Dublin tomorrow.

A Courts Service spokesman confirmed the date had been put back
to September 8 at the request of McFadden's defence team.

The singer flew to Australia last week to join his girlfriend
and duet partner, Delta Goodrem.

McFadden is accused of careless driving, breaking the 70mph
speed limit and driving without reasonable consideration when he
was stopped on the M1 motorway in Balbriggan, north of Dublin, in
September 2002.

Last October, the hearing of the case was put back because the
prosecuting officer was on sick leave with a hand injury.

Outside court on that occasion, a clearly angry McFadden said:
"It's a joke. This is the second time I turned up and they haven't
turned up and he's adjourned it again."

Surrounded by a throng of photographers, reporters and young
fans, he added: "If these people actually want to do something,
then do it."

When asked if he felt the court understood his busy touring
schedule, he replied: "No, I don't."

The case was also adjourned in March 2004 because a female
witness to the alleged offences was due to give birth to twin
babies and McFadden was about to go on tour.

At the time he was still a member of Westlife, but he left the
band soon after to pursue a solo career.